Bandung, the “Paris of Java”, is not only known for its beautiful scenery and cool weather but also for its diverse and delicious culinary scene. From traditional Sundanese dishes to modern fusion cuisine, Bandung offers something for everyone’s taste buds and budget. If you’re planning a trip to Bandung and are looking for affordable yet delicious eats, look no further! This article will guide you through 15 of the best wisata kuliner Bandung spots that won’t break the bank.

1. The Iconic Street Food Scene: Warung and Kaki Lima

Bandung’s street food culture is vibrant and a must-try for any visitor. Warung (small eateries) and kaki lima (street vendors) offer a plethora of local delicacies at incredibly affordable prices. Here are some of the most popular street food finds:

• Batagor: A crispy, deep-fried tofu filled with fish paste and served with a peanut sauce.
• Siomay: Steamed fish dumplings served with peanut sauce.
• Cilok: Chewy tapioca balls served with spicy peanut sauce.
• Cireng: Deep-fried tapioca balls filled with various ingredients like meat, cheese, or vegetables.
• Seblak: A spicy dish made with chewy crackers, vegetables, and various toppings.

Tips:

• Don’t be afraid to bargain. Street vendors are often open to haggling, especially if you’re buying in bulk.
• Explore different neighborhoods. Each area has its own unique street food scene.
• Be adventurous. Try something new! You might be surprised by what you discover.

2. Affordable and Delicious: Warung Sunda

Warung Sunda are traditional Sundanese restaurants serving authentic local cuisine. They offer a wide variety of dishes, including:

• Nasi Timbel: Steamed rice wrapped in banana leaves and served with various side dishes like fried chicken, tempeh, and vegetables.
• Sayur Asem: A sour and savory vegetable soup.
• Pepes Ikan: Fish wrapped in banana leaves and steamed with spices.
• Lotek: A salad of blanched vegetables served with peanut sauce.

Recommendations:

• Warung Apung: Located on the edge of a lake, this restaurant offers scenic views and delicious Sundanese cuisine.
• Warung Sate Kalong: Known for its grilled chicken skewers and other Sundanese dishes.

3. Sweet Treats: Bandung’s Famous Desserts

No wisata kuliner Bandung trip is complete without indulging in the city’s famous desserts. Here are some must-try treats:

• Bandros: A sweet and chewy cake made from rice flour and coconut milk.
• Surabi: A pancake-like snack served with various toppings like brown sugar, coconut flakes, or cheese.
• Klepon: Bite-sized chewy balls filled with palm sugar and coated in grated coconut.
• Dadar Gulung: Thin crepe filled with sweet coconut filling.

Where to find them:

• Pasar Baru: A bustling market where you can find all sorts of traditional snacks.
• Jalan Braga: A historic street lined with cafes and dessert shops.

4. Unique and Flavorful: Bandung’s Fusion Cuisine

Bandung’s culinary scene is constantly evolving, and chefs are experimenting with new flavors and ingredients.

Here are some fusion restaurants worth checking out:

• Burger & Co: Offers gourmet burgers with a local twist, incorporating traditional Indonesian ingredients.
• Canteen: Serves modern Indonesian cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients.
• The Harvest Kitchen: Offers healthy and wholesome dishes using fresh and local produce.

5. Indulge in Bandung’s Coffee Culture

Bandung is known for its high-quality Arabica coffee beans. Many cafes and coffee shops around the city offer a wide range of coffee drinks and snacks.

• Coffee shops to visit:
  • Kopi 88: Serves traditional and specialty coffee drinks in a cozy setting.
  • Coffee Culture: Offers a variety of coffee beans and brewing methods.
  • The Harvest: Offers a farm-to-table experience with locally sourced coffee and food.

6. Exploring Bandung’s Culinary Hubs

• Dago: Known for its upscale restaurants, cafes, and street food.
• Cihampelas: A popular shopping and dining destination with a wide range of restaurants and cafes.
• Jalan Braga: A historic street lined with cafes, restaurants, and bars.
• Pasar Baru: A traditional market offering a wide variety of local foods.

7. Budget-Friendly Eats: Food Court and Street Food Markets

Food courts and street food markets are great options for finding cheap and delicious eats.

• Bandung Trade Center (BTC) Food Court: Offers a wide variety of Indonesian and international cuisine.
• Pasar Kosambi: A traditional market with a food court offering local dishes.
• Festival Citylink: A modern mall with a food court featuring a variety of restaurants.

8. Must-Try Dishes in Wisata Kuliner Bandung

• Nasi Goreng: Fried rice with various toppings like vegetables, meat, or eggs.
• Mie Goreng: Fried noodles with a sweet and savory sauce.
• Bakso: Meatball soup served with noodles, vegetables, and a rich broth.
• Sate: Grilled skewers of meat (usually chicken or mutton) served with peanut sauce.

9. Tips for Eating on a Budget in Bandung

• Eat during off-peak hours: Lunch or dinner prices can be cheaper than peak hours.
• Look for deals and promotions: Many restaurants offer discounts and deals on specific days or times.
• Order a single dish instead of a set menu: This can be more cost-effective.
• Bring your own water: Avoid buying bottled water at restaurants, which can be expensive.
• Check out local food stalls: You can find delicious and affordable food at street vendors and food stalls.

10. Best Places to Try Authentic Sundanese Cuisine

• Warung Nasi Jamblang: A popular restaurant serving a variety of Sundanese dishes.
• Warung Sate Maranggi: Known for its grilled goat skewers.
• Warung Sunda Mang Engking: Offers a unique dining experience with a traditional setting and a variety of Sundanese dishes.

11. Exploring Bandung’s Night Market Scene

• Pasar Kaget: A pop-up market that happens every weekend in different locations.
• Pasar Malam: A night market offering a variety of street food, clothing, and souvenirs.

12. Indonesian Culinary Experience: Beyond Street Food

• Gado-gado: A salad of vegetables and tofu served with peanut sauce.
• Rendang: A rich and flavorful beef curry from West Sumatra.
• Nasi Padang: A rice dish served with various curries, side dishes, and vegetables.

13. Vegetarian and Vegan Options in Bandung

• Vegan Cafe: A vegan-friendly restaurant offering a variety of dishes, including Indonesian and international cuisine.
• Warung Vegetarian: A traditional restaurant serving a variety of vegetarian dishes.
• Street Food: Many street vendors offer vegetarian options, like tahu gejrot (tofu soaked in a spicy sauce) and tempe goreng (fried tempeh).

14. Must-Try Bandung Coffee Shops

• Kopi 88: A traditional coffee shop serving a variety of coffee drinks.
• Coffee Culture: Offers a variety of coffee beans and brewing methods.
• The Harvest: Offers a farm-to-table experience with locally sourced coffee and food.

15. Beyond the Plate: Culinary Activities in Bandung

• Cooking Class: Learn how to make traditional Indonesian dishes.
• Coffee Plantation Tour: Visit a coffee plantation and learn about the coffee-making process.
• Food Market Tour: Explore the local food markets and sample a variety of local delicacies.

Conclusion:

Bandung’s culinary scene is a treasure trove of flavors and experiences. With its affordable street food, traditional restaurants, and modern cafes, you can embark on a delicious adventure without breaking the bank. Wisata kuliner Bandung offers something for everyone, so be adventurous, explore, and enjoy the city’s vibrant food culture.